Also known as: Hinokuma-no-Sakai-no-Misasagi (IHA: Mausoleum of Emperor Kinmei)
Location
Nara Pref.
Shape
Keyhole-shaped mound
Mound length
140 m
Period
Mid 6th c.
IHA designation
IHA-managed (no public entry)
Overview
Keyhole mound 140m in Hirata, Asuka Village. One of the largest surviving keyhole mounds in the Asuka region; managed by the IHA as Emperor Kinmei's mausoleum. Mound's mid-6th-century date is broadly consistent with Kinmei's reign. Part of the Asuka historic landscape; easily combined with the Asuka Historical Park and Ishibutai Kofun.
Finds & research
No excavation under IHA jurisdiction; burial goods unknown. Non-invasive surveys suggest a horizontal corridor-type stone chamber.
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
Keyhole mound 140m; rear circle 90m diameter, front section ~105m wide. Dated mid-6th century; one of the most significant Late Kofun mounds in the Asuka region. Three-tier construction with moat. Stone paving and haniwa confirmed; horizontal corridor-type stone chamber believed present. The attribution to Kinmei is imprecise but less contradicted than many comparable IHA designations.
Imperial Household Agency view
Officially designated "Hinokuma-no-Sakai-no-Misasagi" and attributed to Emperor Kinmei (r. 539–571 CE), who accepted the official transmission of Buddhism to Japan. The chronicle-based attribution is broadly consistent with the mound's mid-6th-century date — making this one of the more plausible IHA designations for large Yamato kofun. Exterior viewing only.[IHA Visiting Info] Address: 奈良県高市郡明日香村大字平田 / Access: 近鉄 飛鳥駅から徒歩約7分 / Hours: 原則、8時30分～17時 (open year-round in principle). Stamp storage: 畝傍陵墓監区事務所.
Field notes
Emperor Kinmei, son of Emperor Keitai, set the trajectory of Japanese religious culture by accepting Buddhism. Nearest station: Kintetsu Yoshino Line "Asuka," ~20 min. walk or rental bicycle. Asuka Village is protected by a landscape ordinance, preserving its rare integration of rural scenery and ancient heritage.